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Sorbus sitchensis - Roem.

Common Name Sitka Mountain Ash, Western mountain ash
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards The seeds probably contain hydrogen cyanide. This is the ingredient that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. Unless the seed is very bitter it should be perfectly safe in reasonable quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Habitats Found mainly on rich moist soils along the borders of streams, or rocky hillsides, usually in association with conifers[229].
Range Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to Idaho and Montana.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Sorbus sitchensis Sitka Mountain Ash, Western mountain ash


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Sorbus sitchensis Sitka Mountain Ash, Western mountain ash
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Sorbus sitchensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc[62, 105, 161, 183]. Of poor quality[256]. The fruit turns sweeter and so tastes best after a frost[101]. The fruit is produced in clusters, each fruit being about 6 - 12mm in diameter[229].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic  Enuresis  Kidney  Parasiticide  Stomachic

An infusion of the branches has been given to young children with bed-wetting problems[257]. An infusion of the root and branch bark has been drunk in the treatment of stomach problems and rheumatism[257]. The infusion can also be used externally as a bath for treating rheumatism[257]. A decoction of the root and branch bark has been used as an eyewash[257]. The bark has been chewed in the treatment of colds[257]. An infusion of the branches has been used in the treatment of weak kidneys in order to stop the frequent urination[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Parasiticide  Pioneer  Wood

This species is capable of growing in exposed conditions in poor soils[229], and so could be used in re-afforestation as a pioneer plant to provide suitable conditions for other woodland trees to be established[K]. It is rather slow-growing, however, and would only be used in situations where faster species were not so suitable[K]. The berries have been rubbed onto the scalp in order to get rid of lice[257]. Wood - moderately light with little strength, it is of no commercial value[229].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most reasonably good soils in an open sunny position[11]. Dislikes dry soils[188]. Tolerates light shade[188], though it fruits better in a sunny position[K]. This species is able to succeed in poor soils and to become established on exposed broken ground[229], it is thus suitable for use as a pioneer species in re-establishing woodland[K]. A slow-growing shrub in the wild, it can sometimes become a small tree up to 9 metres tall[229]. It usually produces abundant crops of fruit every year[229]. Plants are susceptible to fireblight[188].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[78, 80]. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed[78, 80]. Stored seed germinates better if given 2 weeks warm then 14 - 16 weeks cold stratification[98], so sow it as early in the year as possible. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Seedlings are very slow to put on top-growth for their first year or two[11], but they are busy building up a good root system. It is best to keep them in pots in a cold frame for their first winter and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon, Alberta (west), British Columbia), United States (Alaska, Idaho (north), Montana (northwest), Oregon, Washington, California (north))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Roem.

Botanical References

1160200

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